What Does it Take to Be an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer?
Job Description & Duties Conduct hearings to recommend or make decisions on claims concerning government programs or other government-related matters. Determine liability, sanctions, or penalties, or recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or settlements.
What Do Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Review and evaluate data on documents, such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, or physician or employer records.
- Conduct studies of appeals procedures in field agencies to ensure adherence to legal requirements and to facilitate determination of cases.
- Explain to claimants how they can appeal rulings that go against them.
- Recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or compromise settlements according to laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions.
- Prepare written opinions and decisions.
- Authorize payment of valid claims and determine method of payment.
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What Every Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers say are important on the job.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Related Job Titles
- Unemployment Claims Adjudicator
- Disciplinary Hearing Officer
- Veteran Appeals Reviewer
- Judge
- Referee
What Kind of Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 15,400 jobs in the United States for Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.9% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 600 new jobs for Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 700 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer are Rhode Island, Utah, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Maryland, New Jersey, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers make between $45,120 and $169,640 a year.

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers who work in Massachusetts, California, or Missouri, make the highest salaries.
How much do Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $124,100 |
Alaska | $107,150 |
Arizona | $92,300 |
Arkansas | $64,070 |
California | $117,810 |
Colorado | $109,350 |
Connecticut | $100,590 |
Delaware | $65,930 |
Florida | $111,320 |
Georgia | $75,900 |
Idaho | $86,190 |
Illinois | $95,120 |
Indiana | $112,630 |
Iowa | $104,910 |
Kansas | $118,070 |
Kentucky | $57,090 |
Louisiana | $74,160 |
Maine | $66,010 |
Maryland | $105,950 |
Massachusetts | $131,800 |
Michigan | $110,970 |
Minnesota | $113,760 |
Mississippi | $108,330 |
Missouri | $121,450 |
Montana | $73,900 |
Nebraska | $61,000 |
Nevada | $79,330 |
New Hampshire | $79,770 |
New Jersey | $111,660 |
New Mexico | $73,270 |
New York | $106,500 |
North Carolina | $103,420 |
Ohio | $96,790 |
Oklahoma | $95,420 |
Oregon | $85,550 |
Pennsylvania | $92,910 |
South Carolina | $96,640 |
Tennessee | $97,950 |
Texas | $116,320 |
Utah | $84,010 |
Vermont | $72,740 |
Virginia | $98,830 |
Washington | $108,810 |
West Virginia | $74,470 |
Wisconsin | $111,230 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Windows
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- LexisNexis
- SAP software
- Online databases
- Videoconferencing software
- Instant messaging software
- Thomson Reuters WestLaw
- Courtroom scheduling software
How do I Become an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer?
Individuals working as an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer?

Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers employed by various industries.

Related Careers
Those interested in being an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer may also be interested in:
Those who work as an Administrative Law Judge, Adjudicator, or Hearing Officer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Okan Г‡alД±Еџkan via CC0 Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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